Carthage now. Carthage (Tunisia): location on the map, photos, ancient history, excursions and tourist reviews. Attractions and entertainment in the vicinity of Carthage

Carthage – ancient city, which was once an entire state and had power over almost half globe. Nowadays, it has long lost its former grandeur, but attracts historians, lovers of ancient civilizations and simply travelers from all over the world who want to learn the secrets of old Carthage and see with their own eyes the world of the Roman Empire. Carthage itself is beautiful, however, there is interesting places and nearby. Read the article and think - maybe this ancient city will attract you on vacation in 2019?

Many have heard this name from history lessons, but not everyone knows or remembers exactly what this ancient city was so famous for.

Brief historical background

According to legend, Dido became the founder of the city of Carthage, and then its queen. She had to hastily leave Tyre, since the ruler of Tyre, Pygmalion, her brother, killed Dido’s husband in order to seize his wealth. Dido was allowed to take into her possession exactly as much soil as she could cover with the skin of an ox. However, Dido was able to get a large “plot of land”: she made thin straps from the skin and was able to wrap them around an entire mountain. This shows how much the Carthaginians were always famous for their enterprise and resourcefulness in business.

As for history, it is reliably known that in the 3rd century BC Carthage was the greatest state formation in this area. The population of Carthage made the city impregnable and actively developed trade. Carthage was led by a meeting of citizens, mostly wealthy people. Carthage was developed on a par with Rome.

And so, the time came when the Romans and the inhabitants of Carthage began to conflict. Both great populations wanted to control Sicily. The time has come for several Punic Wars, glorified on the pages of historical chronicles. The Carthaginians stubbornly resisted the Romans, among them were such great military leaders as Hannibal. But Rome still won - and during the Third Punic War the city was completely destroyed.

The Romans wanted the city to cease to exist altogether, but then they realized that the territory could be useful. Therefore the city became populated again. Christianity came to the city. However, in the 6th century the powerful Roman Empire collapsed, and already at the end of the 7th century AD the city was captured by the Arabs. After this, Carthage became only an appendage of Tunisia.

So this ancient city stood in ruins until the active development of tourism in the country began. Now Tunisia is one of the most visited countries in North Africa by travelers, and many of them go to Carthage on an excursion or even stay in this city. Carthage is included in the list world heritage UNESCO and is one of the most enchanting corners of the world. And since the 19th century, it has attracted historians, anthropologists and archaeologists who have conducted and are still excavating this great ancient city in order to find new artifacts and make new discoveries.

Brief geographical information and climate

Carthage is located near ( capital of the same name State of Tunisia). He is part of the administrative structure of the city. Tunisia itself is located on the Mediterranean Sea, and the type of climate in the city is appropriate - Mediterranean. Winters are warm and bring a lot of rain, while summers are very hot and dry. So, average temperature August - the hottest month - is around 27 degrees Celsius, it can be hot and up to 32 degrees Celsius. It is quite pleasant to visit Tunisia and Carthage itself in June or September; the trip can be combined with swimming in the beautiful and healing sea, but it will no longer be so swelteringly hot.

Carthage on the map

Planning a trip to Carthage: transport, accommodation, visa, safety

Before you visit an ancient city, you need to plan your entire trip. After all, this is a guarantee that it will go smoothly and will bring only good impressions.

How to get to Carthage

As already mentioned, the city is now a suburb of Tunisia, located 14 kilometers from the capital of the state. First you have to fly to Tunisia itself. If you book air tickets in advance, a ticket for a trip at the beginning of summer will cost from 11,000 rubles per passenger one way. From Tunis airport it is worth getting to the railway that connects the city and its suburbs. Getting to Carthage is mere pennies: about 25 rubles, and only half an hour’s drive in quite comfortable conditions(first grade). You can also take a taxi, it will cost about 300 rubles. You can also visit Carthage with a tour: there are always plenty of offers from guides in this direction.

Hotel infrastructure

There are very few hotels in this city - the historical significance of the place makes the construction of numerous hotels simply impossible. Hotel Villa Didon – the only place all over the city where you can spend the night. The villa consists of 20 rooms, each of which has a unique designer renovation, so prices per room start from 7,000 rubles per day per person.

More budget accommodation options are available in the cities of Tunis, Gammarth and Sidi Bou Said, which are located close to Carthage. In the capital, for example, you can find apartments; double occupancy in them will cost about $40 per day. An average three-star or even four-star hotel can be booked for around $100 per night for two people.

Visa

Carthage has long been no longer a separate state, and therefore Russians need a visa to Tunisia. More precisely, it is not necessary: after all, for tourists from Russian Federation There is a pleasant visa-free regime. You can stay in the sunny African country for up to three months for tourism purposes. Having arrived in the country, you just have to present your foreign passport, in rare cases, confirm your tourist purposes for staying in the country, and that’s it, you can go to Carthage!

Safety

Again, it's worth knowing about security in Tunisia itself. IN last years There have been several terrorist attacks in the region, however, resort areas They are always guarded very well, the country does everything for the safety of tourists, police representatives are always on alert. What you should know in advance when going to Tunisia and Carthage itself:

It is worth taking out medical insurance for the entire period of stay in the country;
in places full of tourists, there are also a lot of pickpockets, and therefore it is always necessary to keep an eye on valuables and equipment, and it is better to leave a significant part of the financial assets in the hotel safe;
women in Tunisia are better off following some rules: do not walk alone in the evening, do not wear overly revealing clothes;
It is best to drink only bottled water;
and, if your trip is planned on hot days, always remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

Attractions in Carthage

The main attraction of Carthage is the ruins of the old city, which was once as powerful and great as Rome. The amphitheater, built in the 2nd century BC, is a structure of five tiers that could accommodate five thousand spectators. The uniqueness of the amphitheater arena is that it could be flooded with water from the sea if the production included naval battles. And spectacles were loved in Carthage just as in Rome.

However, the most important ancient beauties of Carthage are considered to be the Antonine Baths, which are almost equal in size and beauty to similar baths in Rome. The buildings date back to the 2nd century BC and occupy 2 hectares in area.

The Tunisian city of Carthage later became Christian, which means there are corresponding buildings. Birsa Hill is famous for the fact that there used to be a fortress founded by Dido, and now the Cathedral of St. Louis was built there. It was built at the end of the 19th century in honor of the saint of the same name, who died during the siege of Tunisia in the 13th century. The style of the cathedral is Moorish, so it fits well with the local landscape. A little north of this place is the Hill of Jupiter, on which now stands a monastery of the Carmelite Order and a building of columns.

Another famous place This city contains the ruins of Roman villas, which during the existence of Rome were built for wealthy citizens. Now the remains of the village are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the middle of the last century, one of the houses was restored and received the name “poultry house”, since a mosaic depicting birds was discovered during the restoration.

In addition to standard excursions to the ruins of Carthage and the Antonine baths, many tourists are attracted by trips to Tophet, an ancient burial ground under open air. Scary legend tells that the inhabitants of the ancient city sacrificed their first-born children at this place in order to appease their gods. Confirmation is provided by the columns on which there are images of priests performing sacrifices.

Not far from Tophet is the building of the Oceanographic Museum. The exhibition consists of models of ancient ports, models of Carthaginian boats, exhibition maritime knots, artifacts raised from the bottom of the sea, aquariums with fish, stuffed rare Mediterranean animals.

To see almost all the beauties of the ancient city, you need to pay about 300 rubles. The ticket is valid for one day. The cathedral and the museum are paid separately - both together will cost another hundred rubles.

Entertainment in Carthage

In the summer, Carthage traditionally hosts a music festival.

Artists from different countries perform classical arias and the most famous works of world classics in the old amphitheater, thanks to the acoustics of which the melodies sound mesmerizing. Every year the international festival is attended by hundreds of spectators.

As for food, in Carthage itself there are few restaurants and small cafes, since land in Tunisia is expensive and is sold mainly for the construction of villas, and few tourists stay in Carthage. Several gastronomic establishments offer Mediterranean cuisine or takeaway items. If you want to eat in a romantic setting, then you should visit Villa Dido, a hotel that includes a wonderful restaurant overlooking the sea, the ruins of the old city and the Presidential Palace. Prices for main dishes here will be up to 1,100 rubles.

By the way, it’s better to learn about Tunisian cuisine in advance. It will please most Europeans, since the country’s culinary traditions are similar to those of Mediterranean cuisine. Vegetables, meat and fish, olive oil... The difference is that Tunisians love seasonings more, however, not overly spicy, but rather spicy. In coastal cities, in particular in the capital, seafood is popular (especially tuna dishes). If you want to try traditional Tunisian dishes, you should try, for example:

chebureks brik;
chicken tagine omelette;
hearty soup shorba.

When it comes to drinks, Tunisians prefer delicious coffee and green tea. To alcohol, especially in tourist areas, they are quite calm.

When visiting Carthage, you should definitely bring souvenirs related to its history: figurines of military leaders, small copies of the ruins themselves. From Tunisia itself, as a souvenir of the trip and as a gift to all loved ones, they usually bring:

olive oil;
dates;
ceramic products;
local soaps and cosmetics made from natural products;
sauces, sweets, canned food.

Attractions and entertainment in the vicinity of Carthage

It is unlikely that anyone will go to Tunisia just for Carthage. Of course, it's worth it on its own, but you can add other attractions and entertainment into your trip.

So, in Tunisia itself it is worth checking out the colonial street architecture and Cathedral Saint Vincent de Paul. This building was built in a mixture of styles: Romanesque and Byzantine. If, on the contrary, you want to feel the breath of local color, you should visit the medina of the city. This is a traditional Arab area, where there are many oriental bazaars, souvenir shops, and Arab catering establishments. There is also the Zitouna Mosque, built in the 7th century, which still attracts many Muslim pilgrims.

Another interesting Tunisian city is. It is also home to the ancient medina area, where a fort is worth a visit. Hammamet Fort has a beautiful Observation deck, as well as exhibits of ancient tools, a tomb and a museum. There are also traces of Roman culture in Hammamet - the ancient city of Pupput. Carthage is one ancient great city, and Rome is another. In Tunisia, you have the opportunity to visit the consequences of the creations of both cultures.

Besides all the ancients or ancient places, as well as a combination of colonial and traditional buildings, in Tunisia you can combine educational and beach holiday. For example, the resorts of Tunisia or Hammamet itself will delight you with quite comfortable hotels, good beaches. There is an opportunity to relax during thalassotherapy sessions or to engage in active recreation- snorkeling, diving.

Carthage is a unique place in North Africa, whose ancient architecture and seascapes will not leave anyone indifferent! A visit to this ancient city will be useful for travelers of any age, because knowledge is always wonderful. Consider visiting what was once the greatest city in 2019!

And finally - a little practical information on how to get to Carthage:

Today we will talk about the once powerful and richest city - Carthage. Nowadays, only picturesque ruins remain from it. Today Carthage is also a revered city; for example, the residence of the President of Tunisia is located here. However, only memories remain of its former greatness. Today, a photo of Carthage in Tunisia is available in all tourist brochures of this country. Therefore, we invite you to take a closer look at this ancient city, its history, culture and location.

Carthage (Tunisia): history

According to legend, this city was founded by the Tyrian princess Elissa, who was forced to flee her native place after a palace coup. This happened in 814 BC. Elissa and her supporters sailed for a long time by sea until they reached the African shores, where they landed on land in the Gulf of Tunisia. Locals They were very glad to see the strangers who brought with them many amazing goods. The fugitive queen wanted to buy a plot of land equal in area to the size of an oxhide. The local leader was very surprised at this proposal and made fun of Elissa for a long time. He was sure that all her people would never be able to fit into such a small space, but still agreed to the deal. The next night, Elissa ordered the ox skin to be cut into thin strips and surrounded with them over a fairly large area of land, thus marking her new possessions. This is how the city of Carthage in Tunisia was founded. It is no coincidence that the citadel built in its center is called Birsa, which means “skin.”

By the 3rd century BC, Carthage (Tunisia) had become the largest state in the western Mediterranean. His geographical position made it possible to control all ships passing by. The Carthaginians were very businesslike, resourceful and warlike. They surrounded themselves with a high fortress wall, and along with the merchant fleet, they created their own military fleet, numbering more than two hundred ships. Thus, Carthage turned out to be impregnable both from land and sea.

Carthage was not governed by the senate, which elected the best people of his time, as in Rome. Here all decisions were made by the plebs, that is, the people. However, some scholars are confident that in fact in Carthage everything was run by the oligarchy (a group of the richest citizens). Be that as it may, along with Rome, this city was the most cultural and developed at that time.

The Carthaginians actively sailed to other countries and subjugated a number of lands in Southern Spain, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica. At first they were on good terms with Rome. Both states supported each other in military operations. However, tensions soon arose between them over the ownership of Sicily, as a result of which the First Punic War began in 264 BC. Military operations proceeded with varying degrees of success. However, in the end the Carthaginians were defeated. However, they were a tenacious people and were able to recover. This was followed by two more, which ultimately ended in complete victory for the Romans. This is how the call of a Roman statesman named Marcus Porcius Cato came true, who ended each of his speeches with the phrase that later became popular: “Carthage must be destroyed!” The wars of the Roman Empire destroyed the city of half a million. The surviving inhabitants were sold into slavery, and the ruins of Carthage were sprinkled with salt so that no one would have the desire to settle here. However, after some time, the Romans regretted the complete destruction of the city, because they could only get by with the liquidation of its army. Eventually they began to rebuild and repopulate Carthage. After some time, the city became the main center of Africa.

In the 2nd century AD, the Carthaginians converted to Christianity. In the 6th century, along with the collapse of the Roman Empire, this once majestic city also fell into decay. Just a hundred years later it was captured by the Arabs. The new rulers of Carthage used the remains of local structures to build a new city - Tunisia. Today Carthage is a suburb of Tunis. And due to its greatest historical value, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Carthage (Tunisia): description and geographical location

So, today this city is one of the main ones. Few tourists who find themselves in this region deprive themselves of the opportunity to touch the ancient history of once great empires. Carthage is not difficult to find on a map of Tunisia. It is located in the northern part of this state on the shores of the Gulf of Tunisia, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Carthage Hotels

Number of rooms for this settlement can be called modest. This is due to the fact that Carthage is a unique place, there is no possibility of building hotels here. The only option for travelers who want to definitely stay here is the five-star Villa Didon hotel with 20 rooms. If you are looking for more a budget option, then it makes sense to choose a hotel in the city of Tunis or Gammarth.

Excursions

One of the must-see places in Carthage is the Baths of Antonine. In size they were second only to their Roman counterpart. Today, little remains of its former grandeur, but you can appreciate the scale of the construction by looking at the model erected here. As a rule, no excursion to Carthage (Tunisia) is complete without a visit to Tophet, which is an open-air burial altar. Here the Phoenicians sacrificed their firstborns in order to appease the gods. In addition, it is worth looking at the Roman amphitheater, which accommodated 36 thousand spectators, the remains of a huge aqueduct, as well as the Maalga water tanks.

Shopping

In addition to the standard souvenirs for any country in the form of magnets, key rings, postcards, etc., merchants here offer tourists items that supposedly have historical value: coins, mosaics, pieces of steles and columns, etc. You should not fall for this fishing rod You can buy such things only as a souvenir, and do not hesitate to bargain.

Cafes and restaurants

On both sides of Habib Bourguiba Avenue, which runs along coastline, there are a whole host of cafes where you can quench your thirst with a cool juice or have lunch. If you want to pamper both your stomach and your eyes, then visit the restaurant at the five-star Villa Dido hotel, which offers stunning views of the whole of Carthage.

"Carthage must be destroyed" (lat. Carthago delenda est, Carthaginem delendam esse) - Latin popular expression, meaning a persistent call to fight an enemy or obstacle. In a broader sense, it is a constant return to the same issue, regardless of the general topic of discussion.

Carthage (Phoenix: Qart Hadasht, Latin: Carthago, Arabic: قرطاج, Carthage, French: Carthage, ancient Greek: Καρχηδών) is an ancient city in Tunisia, near the capital of the country - the city of Tunis, as part of the capital vilayet of Tunis.

The name Qart Hadasht (in Punic notation without the vowels Qrthdst) is translated from Phoenician as “new city”.

Throughout its history, Carthage was the capital of the Phoenician-founded state of Carthage, one of the largest powers in the Mediterranean. After the Punic Wars, Carthage was taken and destroyed by the Romans, but then rebuilt and became the most important city of the Roman Empire in the province of Africa, a major cultural and then early Christian church center. Then captured by the Vandals and was the capital of the Vandal Kingdom. But after the Arab conquest it fell into decline again.

Currently, Carthage is a suburb of the Tunisian capital, in which the presidential residence and the University of Carthage are located.

In 1831, a society for the study of Carthage was opened in Paris. Since 1874, excavations at Carthage have been carried out under the direction of the French Academy of Inscriptions. Since 1973, research on Carthage has been carried out under the auspices of UNESCO.

Carthaginian state

Carthage founded in 814 BC e. colonists from the Phoenician city of Tyre. After the fall of Phoenician influence, Carthage reassigns the former Phoenician colonies and turns into the capital largest state Western Mediterranean. By the 3rd century BC. e. The Carthaginian state subjugates Southern Spain, North Africa, western Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. After a series of wars against Rome (Punic Wars), it lost its conquests and was destroyed in 146 BC. e., its territory was turned into a province of Africa.

Location

Carthage was founded on a promontory with entrances to the sea in the north and south. The city's location made it a leader in Mediterranean maritime trade. All ships crossing the sea inevitably passed between Sicily and the coast of Tunisia.

Two large artificial harbors were dug within the city: one for the navy, capable of accommodating 220 warships, the other for commercial trade. On the isthmus that separated the harbors, a huge tower was built, surrounded by a wall.

Roman era

Julius Caesar proposed to found a Roman colony on the site of the destruction of Carthage (it was founded after his death). Thanks to its convenient location on trade routes, the city soon grew again and became the capital of the Roman province of Africa, which included the lands of what is now northern Tunisia.

After Rome

During the Great Migration and the collapse of the Western Roman Empire North Africa was captured by Vandals and Alans who made Carthage the capital of their state. This state lasted until 534, when the commanders of the Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I returned the African lands to the empire. Carthage became the capital of the Carthaginian Exarchate.

A fall

After the conquest North Africa Arabs The city of Kairouan, founded by them in 670, became the new center of the Ifriqiya region, and Carthage quickly faded away.

Carthage on the map of Tunisia is located 35 km from Tunis, the capital of the Tunisian Republic. Here is located great amount attractions, among which the greatest interest among travelers from all over the world are the ruins of ancient times, which remain from ancient city. We definitely recommend you visit.

According to many portals, Carthage in Tunisia is among the TOP 1000 most interesting attractions on the planet for tourists, and it is far from last on this list.

Carthage on the map of Tunisia at its dawn

Carthage also attracts tourists from six continents of the Earth with its nature and opening picturesque views to the bay.

Why you should visit Carthage

A traveler should take at least one excursion to the picturesque ruins of this city in order to personally feel the former significance of this place and touch the history of the world with his own hands. The former beauty of Carthage amazed with its grandeur and uniqueness. Until now, when you look at the remains of buildings, you are surprised how rich this capital was, which became one of greatest monuments history and architecture.

You won’t be able to see all the most interesting places in one go. Travelers often return to Carthage again to see a new attraction or ancient relic.

Tourists get to Carthage by city route railway along the Tunis-Gulet-Marsa line in just a quarter of an hour from the capital or by taxi twice as fast.

Was erected a beautiful city Carthage. The city had rich story, which, unfortunately, in our time, only small fragments of previous buildings can remind us of. The ruins of Carthage were included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1979.

Exists legend, it says that Queen Dido decided to buy land in these parts in order to found a city. She was allowed to buy territory that could be covered by one bull hide. The quick-witted person, without thinking for a long time, cut the skin into thin strips and tied them together - the resulting “rope” marked the boundaries of her possessions. Therefore, the erected citadel in the center of Carthage was named Birsa, which means "skin".

Carthage, or " New town" in Phoenician, was laid down with the hope of great success, and he was able to earn the status of the largest power in the Mediterranean. Passing from hand to hand during wars, it either flourished in luxury and beautiful architectural decoration, or went out like a fire doused with water.

During Punic War Carthage was defeated by the Romans, then rebuilt and turned into an important city of the Roman Empire. Later it became an early Christian church center. As a result, Carthage was captured during the Arab conquest and finally destroyed.

Territory, as befits such places, is surrounded by many secrets. Scientists from different parts of the world are engaged in excavations. Every year, more and more new artifacts are found that confirm or refute the history of the city described in the books.

Only a small part has survived fragments for the Punic period: several buildings, part of the street And port, and Tophet. Tophet was the name of the place of sacrifice, and the remains of animals and people were discovered here.

The remaining parts of Carthage have already been preserved from the time when the Romans came to power. Fragments of the traditional for the Roman Empire amphitheater, which at one time was built for 10 thousand seats. Interesting to study are parts of the Roman water supply And aqueduct. The thermal complex (baths) of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius is represented today only by the ruins of basements where steam was produced and water was heated. In ancient times, it was a fairly large structure with large halls where there were hot baths, palaestrae where gymnastic exercises were performed, rest rooms for conversations and utility rooms.

The heritage of the Punic (Carthaginian), Roman and Byzantine periods, obtained during excavations by archaeologists, is exhibited in National Museum Carthage (Musee National de Carthage) on Birsa Hill.

Nowadays, the great Carthage is a suburb of the city Tunisia. The residence of the country's president and the University of Carthage are located here.